Admiral of the Fleet Andrew Cunningham was victor at key battles in the Mediterranean during World War Two, including Taranto and Cape Matapan. Allan George profiles the career of a Royal Navy officer likened to the great Nelson
As far as reputations go, his is exceptional. Admiral of the Fleet Andrew Browne Cunningham, Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope, known as ‘ABC’ – his initials – has been described as “the finest fighting seaman of the war, and a master of command” by Professor Andrew Lambert.
Such regard even featured in contemporary reporting, the New York Times on October 5, 1943 claiming Cunningham was “often termed the greatest British admiral since Nelson”. Indeed, the celebrated ‘ABC’ was famed for his measured aggression, boldness and for landing major defeats on the Axis in a truly Nelsonian performance.
Leading from the front, he won two major fleet actions – one a transformative turning point – staged two large-scale evacuations and directed a trio of Allied landings. All this was achieved before Cunningham became First Sea Lord, where he helped set strategy for the remainder of the conflict.
Cadet to destroyer captain
Andrew Browne Cunningham was born in Dublin in January 1883 to Sco…
